Tensions in Gaza surged on Monday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to residents of Gaza City, urging them to evacuate ahead of what he described as a looming “mighty hurricane” of airstrikes and ground operations. The escalation, he said, would proceed unless Hamas surrenders and releases the remaining captives.

“You have been warned, get out of there,” Netanyahu declared, touting the recent destruction of 50 so-called “terror towers” as a prelude to a full-scale ground assault on Gaza City. Hamas, in turn, condemned his remarks as “one of the most horrific manifestations of sadism and criminality.”

Overnight, Israeli forces issued forced evacuation orders for areas around the Sheikh Radwan district, including a school sheltering displaced families. Airstrikes targeted multiple residential and commercial sites, including Muscat School in al-Tuffah and the Melkan and Roaya towers—marking the fourth such strike on high-rise buildings in as many days.

At least 52 Palestinians were killed Monday, with 32 of the deaths reported in Gaza City and northern Gaza. The rising civilian toll, coupled with the destruction of critical infrastructure, highlights the spiralling humanitarian crisis, even as no clear diplomatic off-ramp appears in sight.

The latest developments suggest Israel is moving closer to a renewed ground incursion into Gaza, raising fears of a broader and bloodier phase of the conflict.